A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a deep-vein thrombosis (DVT).

Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a risk factor for developing DVTS?

“You should expect a warm sensation after the injection of the contrast dye during the procedure.” During cardiac catheterization, a contrast dye is injected into the body to highlight blood flow through the arteries and show blockages in the blood vessels that lead to the heart.
This can cause a warm sensation.
Choice A is incorrect because usually, patients are awake during cardiac catheterization but are given medications to help them relax.
Choice B is incorrect because recovery time for a cardiac catheterization is quick.
Choice D is incorrect because there is no information found to support this statement.

The correct answer is A. Back pain.

Choice A reason: Back pain during a blood transfusion is a classic symptom of a hemolytic transfusion reaction. This type of reaction occurs when the immune system attacks the transfused red blood cells, leading to their destruction. Back pain is considered a more specific and early sign of this reaction.

Choice B reason: Bradycardia, which is a slower than normal heart rate, is not typically associated with hemolytic transfusion reactions. The normal range for an adult’s resting heart rate is between 60 to 100 beats per minute. Bradycardia is usually considered when the heart rate is lower than 60 beats per minute in a resting adult. It can be a sign of a well-trained athlete or can occur as a result of certain medications or heart conditions, but it is not a recognized symptom of a hemolytic transfusion reaction.

Choice C reason: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is also not a common symptom of a hemolytic transfusion reaction. Normal blood pressure ranges from 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is typically defined as having a blood pressure higher than 130/80 mmHg. While hypertension can be a serious condition, it is not indicative of a hemolytic transfusion reaction.

Choice D reason: Chills are a symptom that can be associated with a hemolytic transfusion reaction, often occurring alongside fever and back pain. However, while chills can indicate a reaction, back pain is a more specific symptom that can help differentiate a hemolytic reaction from other types of transfusion reactions.